Holy Week at St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church
14900 Annapolis Road, Bowie, MD 20715
Palm Sunday, March 24
8:30 and 11:00 a.m. Sunday Worship.
9:45 Sunday school for all ages…at 10:00 parents and congregation are invited to join the children’s classes in re-enacting Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem in the sanctuary. Bring gently used coats and clothing to lay on the path for Jesus. Clothing will be donated to The House on the Hill.
12:30 p.m. Easter Egg Hunt for children and families – Fellowship Hall
March 25-29 – Meditation Stations – Morning to Evening – Sanctuary
During Holy Week, we will have several meditation stations set up in the sanctuary that will allow you to reflect on different stages of Jesus’ suffering as he prepared for the crucifixion and resurrection. We invite you to stop in as many times during the week as you would like to prepare for Easter. The sanctuary will be open as long as the church is open and the meditation stations are self-directed.
*To virtually experience our Meditation Stations, open this PowerPoint file and use your mouse or the space bar to click through the slides: Virtual Meditation Stations
Simple Prayer Service – Wednesday, March 27 – 7:00-7:30 p.m. – Sanctuary
Maundy Thursday Worship Service – Thursday, March 28 – 7:00 p.m. – Sanctuary
“Maundy” Thursday, from the Latin mandatum novum (“new commandment”), focuses on the institution of the Lord’s Supper and on the commandment in John 13 in which Jesus, after washing the disciples’ feet, tells them to “do as I have done to you.” Worship will provide an opportunity for us to respond to these commandments through washing one another’s hands and sharing, at the prayer rail, in the sacrament of Holy Communion. The Chancel Choir will share special music for the occasion.
Baby sitting available for youngest children in room 116.
Prayer Vigil – Thursday, March 28 at 8:30 p.m. through Friday, March 29 at 6:30 p.m. – Sanctuary
Prayer Vigil is a time when we enter into continuous prayer – beginning with the arrest of Jesus through the crucifixion. It is our hope to have a person or persons continually in prayer starting Thursday evening, March 28, at 8:30 p.m. through Friday March 29, at 6:30 p.m. Persons wishing to participate are requested to sign up on the sheet in the Tower of Opportunity in the Narthex or contact the main office via phone or email. Please indicate whether you will come to the church or pray at home. If you are coming to the church, please leave your phone number so that you can be provided with the special access code that will be used for entry during the vigil as the regular access codes are not active after 9:00 p.m.
Good Friday Worship Service – Friday, March 29 – 7:00 p.m. – Sanctuary
Joel Raney’s cantata The Lord of the Dance is the centerpiece of this year’s Good Friday service. The work is scored for violin, flute, clarinet/oboe, cello and piano, and incorporates the story of the passion and death of Jesus. Raney’s deft use of material from several hymns (including, of course, “The Lord of the Dance”) makes this cantata a gem of contemporary music writing for an audience of all ages. Please join the Chancel Choir and our instrumentalists on Good Friday evening, March 29, at 7 p.m. for a prayerful and inspiring choral service.
Baby sitting available for youngest children in room 116.
Easter Sunday, March 31 – Christ is Risen! Alleluia!
6:30 am: Sunrise Communion Service
7:15 am: Breakfast in Fellowship Hall
8:30 am: Worship Service with Communion
9:45 am: Sunday School for all ages
11:00 am: Worship Service with Communion
Everyone welcome at all times!